Volkswagen's hot Golf history in pics

As VW celebrates 40 years of the Golf, Top Gear looks back on the fastest production versions

This week the Volkswagen Golf turns 40 years old, during which period it has sold more than 30 million. Let that number sink in for a moment, because it's huge.

VW claims it to be the most successful European car of all time, basing its definition of ‘success' probably on such insignificant metrics as 'sales' and 'build quality' and 'driving enjoyment', largely forgetting gems like the Talbot Sunbeam and Alfa Romeo Arna.

Regardless, this year it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Golf, and as such, Top Gear has decided to have a peek back through the hot production Golfs that have graced the streets, from the original, classic GTI through to this year's 300bhp 4WD ‘R' version.

Have a wander through the pics and let us know your favourite in the non-shouty place below.